NCAA Championship Game

SI Staff | Apr 6, 2010

NCAA Championship Game /

NCAA Championship Game

Duke 61, Butler 59

A full house at Lucas Oil Stadium witnessed one of the most unique championship matchups in 30 years.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Butler's Willie Veasley appeared to be heading for an easy layup early in the first half ... until Jon Scheyer closed from behind to make an emphatic block.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Despite being a game-time decision after suffering a mild concussion on Saturday, Butler's Matt Howard (54) got the start, but managed just one first-half point against Brian Zoubek (55) and Duke's tall front line.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Junior Zach Hahn came off the bench to drain a 3-pointer in the first half to help keep Butler in the game.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Sophomore Shelvin Mack and the Bulldogs shot 35.1 percent in the first half, compared to 50 percent for Duke.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Brad Stevens' Bulldogs took a 33-4 record into the title game while reflecting their coach's preternatural cool.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Mike Krzyzewski won his fourth title in his 30th season as head coach at Duke. John Wooden and Adolph Rupp are the only other coaches to win at least four national titles.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Ronald Nored's Bulldogs were looking to become the first team to win a title in its home city since UCLA in 1975.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Point guard Nolan Smith scored nine first-half points to help stake the Blue Devils to a 33-32 lead after 20 minutes.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Gordon Hayward (20) and Butler rode a stingy team defense to the title game, but the Blue Devils enjoyed a size advantage in the paint.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Jon Scheyer finished with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting. Duke shot 44.2 percent from the field for the game.

Duke 61, Butler 59

The taller Blue Devils outrebounded Butler 36-32 for the game.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Kyle Singler (12) led all scorers with 19 points. He also hit a game-high three 3-pointers.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Gordon Hayward's half-court heave at the buzzer drew iron, but missed. It was Butler's final shot at pulling off the upset.

Duke 61, Butler 59

The Blue Devils (35-5), snapped Butler's 25-game winning streak and brought a long-awaited fourth national title back home to Carolina and the Cameron Crazies.

Duke 61, Butler 59

Working against a crowd of 70,930 with very few pockets of Duke fans, the Blue Devils persevered and won the hardware. Duke never led by more than six but never trailed after Singler hit a 3-pointer with 13:03 left.

Published Apr 6, 2010

SI STAFF